Without my studio I don’t know how I’d manage my ME/CFS.
I’m raising money so I can share it with other sufferers.
ME/CFS is a uncompromising teacher.
The best thing it's taught me are tools for resilience and recovery. Since the illness forced me to stop working in 2022, I've discovered a love for art and making things. I've found a lot of joy, solace and recovery in the flow-oriented activities I can do in my studio.
The worst thing I've learnt is how isolating and lonely suffering from an invisible illness can be. In my area, I've discovered there is no support at all for ME/ CFS sufferers.
Can I bring these lessons together to provide some support? I think I can!
I want to make a place where people suffering from ME/CFS can come , feel welcome and understood, and find joy and recovery in making things.
Anyone suffering from a neuro-immune condition like Long Covid, Fibromyalgia or Gulf War Syndrome will be welcome.
In the long run, I would like to create a purpose-built space in the peaceful surroundings of a narrowboat. But right now, with my health as it is, this is beyond what I can manage. So I'm going to start small.
My aim is to run a weekly arts and crafts drop-in at my studio in Bollington.
To do this, there are a few improvements I'll need to make to ensure it's a comfortable, welcoming and accessible space. That's why I'm fundraising today.
Two thousand pounds will help me to sound-proof, insulate and heat the space during the winter. It'll also allow me to buy art and craft materials.
Thank you so much.
If you're suffering from a neuro-immune condition and think you might like to come along to the studio, please drop me an email and I'll keep you posted on when studio is ready for you.
If you are interested in the longer term aims for the narrow boat you can read about it here: https://tinyurl.com/2m6y6ey6. My aim is to raise the money for the boat though subscription. If you think you might be interested in supporting please drop me an email, I'd love to tell you more and there's no commitment now.